Jonesboro, AR – (Contributed) – Family Crisis Center, Inc. (FCC) has opened a stand-alone Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) center at 511 W. Monroe, fulfilling a goal established when the program first launched in 2017.
The new location is open and serving survivors, providing adult victims of sexual assault with access to forensic exams, advocacy, and follow-up support in a trauma-informed, non-hospital setting.
Individuals do not have to be recent victims to receive support services. Survivors may meet with an advocate to discuss past trauma, explore available resources, and receive support tailored to their needs, regardless of when the assault occurred.
“This has been the vision from the beginning,” said Casey Kidd, Executive Director of Family Crisis Center. “A stand-alone center allows us to offer care in a space designed for dignity, comfort, and survivor choice—rather than within the clinical environment of a hospital.”
The SASS Center allows for public signage, walk-in access, and alignment with other stand-alone sexual assault centers across Arkansas.
The center offers forensic sexual assault exams conducted by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) alongside an advocate and provides survivors the option to meet with an advocate for continued support and healing after an exam.
“Survivors are in control of their care,” said Victoria Tyner, SASS Coordinator. “Our trauma-informed approach means individuals decide what support looks like for them, whether that’s an exam, advocacy, follow-up services, or simply a safe place to be heard.”
Grant funding will allow FCC to hire a full-time SANE, while continuing to maintain on-call contract SANEs to ensure 24/7 availability.
“This program was built through years of dedication and community commitment,” said Beth Murff, president of the FCC Board of Directors, who played a key role in establishing the program in 2017. “This center represents a significant step forward in how our community responds to sexual violence.”
FCC will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 22nd and the annual Sexual Assault Awareness Seminar on April 23rd as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. More information will be released regarding both events.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, support is available through our 24/7 confidential hotline at 870-933-9449.